In a glittering ceremony held in Qatar on Tuesday, December 16, French forward Ousmane Dembele was officially announced as the winner of the prestigious 2025 FIFA The Best Men's Player Award. This honour caps off a truly remarkable year for the Paris Saint-Germain star, who delivered career-defining performances for both his club and country.
A Season of Unmatched Dominance with PSG
The 28-year-old winger was the undisputed driving force behind Paris Saint-Germain's historic 2024/25 campaign. Dembele played a central role in securing the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League title, a monumental achievement for the French giants. His contributions were staggering, with eight goals and six assists during their European conquest.
Domestically, Dembele was equally influential, helping PSG complete a spectacular treble by winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. His individual excellence was recognized with the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award, a spot in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year, and he finished as the joint top scorer in Ligue 1. Furthermore, he was named the Most Valuable Player in both the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 for the season.
International Contributions and Voting Process
Dembele's stellar year extended to the international stage. He was instrumental for France, helping the national team secure a third-place finish in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League. He also featured in the squad that reached the final of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™, finishing as runner-up.
The award's shortlist was determined by a panel of experts judging performances between August 11, 2024, and August 2, 2025. The final winner was decided by a vote split equally between:
- Men's national team coaches
- National team captains
- Football journalists
- Fans voting on FIFA's website
Each group accounted for 25% of the total. Voters ranked their top three choices, with points awarded as five for first, three for second, and one for third. Dembele accumulated the highest total score across all categories, with the process overseen by independent observers for transparency.
Crowning a Historic Year
This FIFA award adds to an already overflowing trophy cabinet for Dembele in 2025. He had previously won the Ballon d'Or in September, solidifying his status as the world's premier footballer. His collection of individual honours for the season is impressive:
- UEFA Champions League Player of the Season
- UEFA Champions League Team of the Season
- Ligue 1 Player of the Year
- UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year
By delivering PSG's long-awaited Champions League victory and sweeping major individual awards, Ousmane Dembele has firmly established himself at the very pinnacle of world football. The 2025 FIFA The Best Men's Player Award is a fitting tribute to a season of sheer brilliance.
